"We must take the most stringent action available to us," Dr.
Elias Ghanem, the chairman of the commission, said just prior
to the vote. "That is my personal view."

Tyson is allowed to reapply for his boxing license a year
later and each year afterward, leaving him no guarantee the
Nevada State Athletic Commission would ever let him box
again.

Other states would be required by a new federal law to honor
Nevada's revocation, meaning the profession that has made
Tyson $140 million during the last two years could be in
jeopardy.

It is possible Tyson could still fight overseas while trying
to get his license back, but while he's on probation for a
rape conviction he may not get permission to leave the
country. The probation lasts until March 1999.

Tyson bit Holyfield's ears before being disqualified after
the third round of their June 28 heavyweight title fight. A
week ago, he made a public apology and asked to be allowed to
fight again.

Nevada senior deputy attorney general Gordon Fink urged the
commission to revoke Tyson's license and enforce the maximum
fine of 10 percent of his $30 million purse.

"Suspension in this case -- no matter how long -- would not
be enough," Fink said amid a packed Las Vegas City Hall
council chambers

Tyson, 31, had been expected to personally plead for his
boxing career before the commission. But early Wednesday,
Tyson flew to New York from Las Vegas on a TWA flight.

Tyson was not required to attend Wednesday's hearing. His
lawyer Oscar Goodman said he recommended the boxer not to
attend.

Holyfield's lawyer Jim Thomas testified before the
commission, saying that his client had forgiven Tyson and did
not want to punish him. Holyfield was in South Africa and
could not attend the hearing.